Lake District

Buttermere Valley

Tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, encompassing three lakes

Buttermere, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9UZ

Opening times
See on map

View down to Crummock water and surrounding mountains on a clear spring day

Car park
Pay and display National Trust car parks available at Buttermere Village, Lanthwaite Wood and Honister Pass (free for members). There is also parking at Loweswater and Crummock water (not National Trust). We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome to our outdoor properties but please keep them under close control to protect stock and wildlife. Take a look at our Canine Code and enjoy a great day out with your pup!
Toilet
There is a public toilet in Buttermere (small fee)
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
For Buttermere and Crummock Water, take B5289 from Keswick or B5292 from Cockermouth, forking right onto the B5289 at Lorton. For Loweswater, turn off B5289 onto minor road at Brackenthwaite past Scale Hill
Parking: Pay and display (cash only) car parks at Buttermere village (CA13 9UZ) and Lanthwaite Wood (CA13 0RT) near Crummock Water.
Sat Nav: use CA13 9UZ for Buttermere; CA13 0RT for Crummock Water; CA13 0RU for Loweswater
On foot
rights of way link to the Coast to Coast long distance path
By train
Workington station (20 miles to the west) or Penrith station (28 miles to the east)
Cycling
NCN71 (C2C) skirts Loweswater
Cycling - more information

Opening times for 28 April 2025
Asset	Opening time
Countryside	Open all day

A man fishing with his dog on a misty morning on Loweswater

Activity

Boating and fishing in the Buttermere Valley

Find out how to get boating and fishing permits for the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater before your visit.

A family return to their car after a winter walk in the Lake District. Two children sit in the open boot of the car as they remove their muddy boots with the help of two adults.

Article

Car parks in the Buttermere Valley

There are three National Trust car parks in Buttermere to choose from. Find out parking costs and how to find each of the car parks.

Article

Visiting the Buttermere Valley with your dog

Buttermere is a one paw print rated place. Find out all you need to know about bringing your furry side-kick on an adventure around the lake shores, in the valleys and up the fells.

People inside a tent at night at Wasdale Head campsite, Cumbria

Article

Wild camping in the Lake District

Find out more about wild camping in the Lake District, whether it's right for you and how to do it legally, safely and responsibly.

A family walk along the path by the shores of Buttermere on a sunny day with views out to the fells beyond

Buttermere shuttle bus

Thinking of heading out to Buttermere for the day? Skip the search for parking and lower your carbon footprint by taking the shuttlebus. Running weekends and bank holidays from May 3 to August 31, 2025, it's the perfect way to enjoy a stress free day out. Click here for more information and timetables.